Jeri Lynn Mooney (born January 28, 1944), better known as Susan Howard, is an American actress, writer, and political activist; best known for portraying the character Donna Culver Krebbs on the soap opera Dallas, Maggie Petrocelli on the television show Petrocelli, and to Star Trek fans for portraying Mara, the first female Klingon with a speaking role, in the episode Day of the Dove. She was only 24 years old when she acted in this Star Trek episode. Howard is also a screen writer and member of the Writers Guild of America.

Biography

Early life

Howard was born and raised in Marshall, Texas where she was recognized for acting talent; winning a UIL award for Best Actress while she was in high school. Upon graduating from Marshall High School, Howard attend the University of Texas for two years where she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority before leaving for Los Angeles to join the Los Angeles Repertory Company.

Career

Howard had several guest appearances on major television shows during the 1960s and early 70s including; The Flying Nun (1967), I Dream of Jeannie (1968), Star Trek (1968), Bonanza (1969), and Mission: Impossible (1972).

In 1974 Howard was cast as the co-star in the NBC series Petrocelli. Howard's performance was subsequently nominated for both the Golden Globe and Emmy awards. Despite critical acclaim for Howard, the series was canceled in 1976. Howard would return to guest spots including one on The Love Boat in 1980 and initially a 1979 appearance on Dallas as Donna Culver. The producers of the show liked her performance so much that her guest spot was expanded to an eight year stint. In 1987 the show decided to not renew her contract. She has blamed this decision on her opposition to what she saw as pro-abortion storylines involving her character. ^[1]

Personal life

After leaving television Howard has become an increasingly active supporter of conservative causes, especially the Second Amendment. She is an active member of the leadership of both the NRA and the Texas Republican Party.

References

External links

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